Social media is an always controversial and for many a vital part of their lives, providing news, contact with other and entertainment. But social media has a dark side, especially for young people. Somerset Member of Youth Parliament, Emma, has been running her campaign on ‘Young People and Social Media’ and in this article she looks at the how changes to regulation, as well as a bit of research can help young people’s mental health as they navigate the online world.
Over the last few months I’ve been conducting a survey with Somerset Young People to explore our local young people’s experiences and opinions. I’m currently analysing the responses and to identify specific issues of concerns but I also hope to reveal potential for further discussion on how to raise awareness, where to find help and guidance and good tips for self-management and care. I’ll address this further in my campaign update next month!
The aim of this article is not to patronise people with statistics or force mandatory changes to the lifestyle of a generation which uses social media as a part of their daily life. This article is simply here to represent the necessity for changes to the very systems which control the ‘for you’ pages and the never-ending stream of videos, expectations and reams of fake news present on young people’s social media.
This article is here to highlight and emphasise the importance of research and investment in the mental health sector for young people; while mental health is a prevalent issue across many political talking points such as environment or relationships with food; It is vital that young people are provided the support that they need to combat the raging algorithms that are detrimental to attention spans, body positivity and perception of news. Not enough is being done.
- Age-limits; 75% of 8-10 year olds are on social media in one form or other says the digital youth index, in spite of regulations already in place that should prevent young people being on social media until they are at least 13 years old and further protections under the Online Safety Act to protect users under 18 years old. Well, does it work? It has become normalised in society to access profit run apps at younger ages than are allowed. The whole social media network system in secondary school hinges on people having these apps at ages lower than restrictions allow. Let alone the young people who access them via anonymous account or via friends, parents or family. This is why I believe that age restrictions aren’t as effective as they could be or as they should be, instead changes need to be made to the fundamental algorithms that control what appears.
- Limits on harmful content; in addition to stronger restrictions on age limits or changes to the algorithms for younger people. There must also be stronger regulations put in place to prevent the viewing of harmful content. While the boundaries of harmful content vary for every age group too much harmful content is reaching their screens. While AI is a frequently debated topic, the skills that it possesses could be used to filter through the volume of content being uploaded each day.
While the list of potential improvements is endless, the most important standing point is also how useful social media can be. At Youth Parliament, the main representation of ideas, articles or work is from social media; Our school lives are online, allowing smoother communications between teachers and students, creating easier ways to submit homework.
It is easy to get bogged down by the severities of the online world but the most important point to take away from my work on my campaign is to do your research into platforms and accounts, know your available sources of support and take your time.
Emma
If you or someone you know has had their mental health impacted by social media…
If you have been impacted by anything in this article, know that there is support out there. Below are just some organisations that can help you if you are struggling.
- Childline offers support via phone (0800 1111) or online chat for children and young people. For older individuals,
- The Mix provides support at 0808 808 4994 or online.
- Kooth Home – Kooth
- Chat Health ChatHealth – Children and Young People’s Services
- Mind in Somerset Taunton01823 276892
- Mind in Somerset –Shepton Mallet01749 233115
- Heads Up Somerset Wells 01749 670667
- Rethink Mental Illness, Taunton01823 351516
